Brewers hire Craig Counsell as new manager

The Milwaukee Brewers have hired Craig Counsell as their next manager.

The Milwaukee Brewers have hired Craig Counsell as their next manager, the team announced on Monday. 

The Brewers fired manager Ron Roenicke on Sunday after the team started the season 4–17. Roenicke was in his fifth season in Milwaukee. 

Counsell, 44, is a former MLB infielder who played for the Brewers in 2004 and from 2007 to 2011. He joined the team's front office in 2012 after retiring, serving as special assistant to general manager Doug Melvin. His father also previously worked in the Brewers front office. 

Milwaukee signed Counsell to a three-year contract through the 2017 season. This is his first managerial job. 

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"Craig has many years of major league playing experience, and his three-plus years of learning all aspects of baseball operations helps prepare him for this managerial position," said Melvin. "There will be challenges, but Craig has never shied away from leadership responsibilities on the field as a player or in his most recent role. I believe his on-field success as a player and his awareness for preparation should resonate in the clubhouse. Growing up in Milwaukee, it is very important for him to bring a winning culture and team success to Brewers fans."

Over his 16-year MLB career, Counsell played for five different teams. He is a two-time World Series champion and retired with a .255 career average and .342 on-base percentage. 

Last season, the Brewers finished 82–80.

- Molly Geary